Skip to content

Pollution

Could California ban styrofoam cups?

by Laura Brown 30 Aug 2011
Could California ban styrofoam cups?
etadshow468 -->

Coffee cups, takeaway dishes or easy storage for leftovers; Styrofoam containers have become a visible part our take-out culture. But could it be coming to an end? Politicians California want to ban the containers because of the impact they have on the environment. If it passes it would become the first-state-wide law of its kind in the US.

Lawmakers in Sacramento, California, are considering a bill prohibiting restaurants, retail stores and other food outlets from serving or handing out food in expanded polysterene containers. Currently with the Assembly, if the bill is passed it would come into play in 2016. Proponents and environmentalists are in favour. The containers are non-biodegradable.

It is estimated styrofoam containers now account for more litter in California than cigarette butts. They make their way into rivers and lakes, harming wildlife and natural habitat, as well as tainting the appearance of coastlines and tourist traps.

The bill has been drafted by Senator Alan Lowenthal, a Democrat from Long Beach. While similar laws have been passed in individual cities and towns in the US there has not yet been one covering a whole state. Lowenthal says it is vital for tourism. "People come to this state because they love the beauty," he said. "If we are now engaged in a program to pollute the state, we're going to lose that."

Clean Water Action, a lobby group in Washington D.C that champions environmental issues sponsored the bill. They cite not only the impact of litter but also the chemicals used in the manufacturing process which poses public health threat. However the American Chemistry Council, who is opposing the bill, say the risk is very slight and is not backed by any scientific information.

The bill has also not been welcomed by business and industry within California. Retail and food outlets have been hit hard by the economic recession. With margins so tight, they argue, banning Styrofoam containers could end up doubling their outlay, as the green alternatives cost twice as much.

This could lead to job losses, leading the California Chambers of Commerce who dub it the "job-killer Bill". Two firms in California produce the containers, employing around a thousand people. Opponents also claim the bill fails to target those who drop litter, arguing they will still drop recyclable containers, as well as non-biodegradable ones.

The bill has passed the state Senate and is now with the Assembly.

Image Credit: styrofoam cup © design56


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping